Baileys ‘Bows’ Them Over!
After weeks of fine-tuning and several fittings, the Baileys bow dress left the auction block at Shaggy & Friends Saturday night for a whopping $220,000.
Designed by local couturier Louise Graham, the dress is inspired by the bow that adorns the festive drink and recalls the larger-than-life accessory featured on the original gown created by Sex And The City wardrobe stylist Patricia Field for the hit series’ star Kim Cattrall who plays Samantha. Graham, who was commissioned by Diageo, the local distributors of Baileys, says the asymmetrical neckline speaks to the current one-shoulder trend — the new erogenous zone — while the dominant shoulder bow and smaller bows created in a gradient add lots of feminine elegance. The smaller bows on the bias-cut dress adorn the bodice and are accented with sparkling gold beads.
The dress, easily the most buzzed about item during the night, was bought by Michelle and Ruth Hussey, much to the delight of both designer and muse.
“I feel happy about it,” says Graham of the outcome of the auction. Muse-cum-model Ann-Marie Vaz shares the same elation: “We created the most excitement for the night and it’s a great feeling to know that we’re doing this for the children (proceeds from Shaggy & Friends go to the Bustamante Hospital for Children).”
Marsha Lumley, Baileys brand manager, praised Graham’s skills, calling the dress “absolutely fabulous”.
“It’s a beautiful dress; the people really bid big, Baileys couldn’t be more proud of the association, we’re truly happy.”